Opus Sectile

Opus Sectile

Incised marble fragment depicting a marmorarius cutting opus sectile marble. Dated to the 2nd half of the 4th century CE. From the Museo Nazionale Romano, Terme di Diocleziano in Rome.
Incised marble fragment depicting a marmorarius cutting opus sectile marble. Dated to the 2nd half of the 4th century CE. From the Museo Nazionale Romano, Terme di Diocleziano in Rome.

Opus sectile is a Roman pavement technique in which larger pieces of marble are cut into regular shapes and fitted together to form geometric patterns. More than one variety of marble is typically used in a given floor in order to create contrast in the design. The name is derived from the Latin opus, work or workmanship, and sectilis, something that is cut or divided.

 

Opus sectile depiction of a tigress attacking a calf. From the Basilica of Junius Bassus in Rome. Now in the Musei Capitolini.
Opus sectile depiction of a biga and four horsement from the Basilica of Junius Bassus in Rome. Now in the Museo Nazionale Romano, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme.
Opus sectile pavement (surrounded by opus scutulatum pavement) in the House of Paquius Proculus at Pompeii.

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